FAQs

Blepharoplasty

What is blepharoplasty?

Eyelid surgery, technically known as blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure which involves the removal of excess fat and skin from the lower and upper eyelids. The procedure can provide the eye area with a more youthful and pleasing appearance. Eyelid surgery may also be performed to improve the vision for patients who have excess drooping skin of the upper eyelids that is interfering with vision.

How is the procedure performed?

During blepharoplasty, incisions are made within the natural creases of the eyelids or on the inside of the eyelids. The surgeon removes some of the herniated fat and excess skin and then closes the incision with very fine sutures.

Are there any scars after eyelid surgery?

The scars that result from eyelid surgery tend to be well concealed. The incisions are typically placed within the normal creases and folds of the eyelids.

Can eyelid surgery fix crow’s feet or sagging brows?

The wrinkles around the eye and sagging eyebrows cannot be treated with eyelid surgery and are better treated with other procedures, such as a brow lift.

Is eyelid surgery ever covered by insurance?

Insurance coverage is not available when eyelid surgery is performed solely for cosmetic purposes. Procedures may be covered to some degree when used to treat excess skin of the upper eyelids that is causing visual impairment.

When can I go back to work after eyelid surgery?

Bruising and swelling after eyelid surgery can be noticeable for at least seven to ten days. Patients often find that they can return to work within a few days after their procedure.

What kind of recovery does eyelid surgery involve?

Bruising and swelling can take between seven and ten days to fade enough for you to feel comfortable in public. Though patients can return to work within a few days, more rigorous activities should be avoided for at least a week.

When are the stitches removed after eyelid surgery?

Stitches are typically removed within seven to ten days after eyelid surgery.

Cataracts

What is a cataract?

A cataract is a clouding, or haziness of the lens of the eye. The lens helps focus light on the retina, the area at the back of the eye where images are formed. When the lens becomes cloudy, these images are less clear.

How do I know if I need cataract surgery?

How is cataract surgery done?

Cataract surgery is done at a surgery center. You go home the same day. Your will be given numbing drops and a light sedative to keep you relaxed and comfortable. A cataract is removed through a tiny incision at the side of your eye. An artificial lens (called an “intraocular lens” or IOL) is placed in your eye.

What will my vision be like after surgery?

Your vision after cataract surgery depends on:

Whether you have other eye conditions that affect your vision

What type of intraocular lens you chose

How quickly your eyes heal

After cataract surgery, many people see better almost immediately

Will I need glasses after cataract surgery?

That depends on the type of IOL you choose. If your IOL gives good vision far away, you may need reading glasses to see close up. If your IOL gives good close vision, you may need glasses to see at a distance. Patients with astigmatism may need glasses if they don’t get an IOL that corrects it.

Glaucoma

What is glaucoma?

A group of diseases characterized by particular pattern of optic nerve damage and visual field loss. It is the major cause of irreversible blindness worldwide and it affects more than 2.5 million people in the United States.

What are the symptoms of glaucoma?

The symptoms of glaucoma can be different for each form. However, in most cases, patients have no symptoms until significant optic nerve damage has occurred.

What are the Open-Angle glaucoma symptoms?

Vision loss

Gradual loss of peripheral vision

What are the Angle-Closure glaucoma symptoms?

Decreased vision

Cloudy vision

Sudden, severe pain, usually in one eye

Eye feels swollen

Red eyes

Halos around lights

Nausea and vomiting

How is glaucoma diagnosed?

Check vision and eye pressure (high eye pressure is a major risk factor for glaucoma)

Look for signs of optic nerve damage

Test for visual field loss

How do we treat glaucoma?

Medications

Laser

Surgery

LASIK

What is LASIK surgery?

LASIK involves reshaping the inner tissue of the cornea with the most advanced lasers to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. To correct nearsightedness, the cornea must be made flatter. This is accomplished by removing tissue from the center of the cornea. To treat farsightedness, the central cornea must be made steeper. This is accomplished by directing the laser beam to remove tissue from around this area. To correct astigmatism, the cornea must be made more spherical. By changing the pattern of the beam, more tissue is removed in one direction than the other.

Will I have 20/20 vision after my LASIK surgery?

Although individual results vary, most patients after having LASIK see well enough to pass their drivers’ license test without their glasses or contact lenses.

Is LASIK surgery painful?

After LASIK, some patients report a slight discomfort that usually goes away within twelve to twenty-four hours.

Can LASIK surgery be done on both eyes at the same time?

Yes, most patients find it much more convenient to have both eyes treated on the same day.

How can I schedule a LASIK evaluation?

Call our office at 480-839-0206 and the staff will be happy to schedule your LASIK evaluation.

What will happen during my LASIK evaluation?

When you come in for your initial evaluation your medical and ocular history will be taken. We will want to know what your current glasses and/or contact lens prescription are, so please bring this information with you. A series of measurements (Visual Acuity, Manifest refraction, Topography, Pachymetry, and Intraocular Pressure) will be taken to determine your current refractive state and also to determine if your eyes meet the guidelines for refractive surgery.

Will I need reading glasses after my LASIK surgery?

The goal of laser vision correction is to reduce or eliminate your dependence on distance glasses.

What can I expect after my LASIK surgery?

Following a LASIK procedure, your eyes may be watery and feel a bit irritated for a few hours.